Raíces is preparing to open at The RailYard South End, located at 1414 South Tryon Street in Charlotte, where it will introduce a menu rooted in the regional cuisines of Jalisco and Oaxaca. According to the Charlotte Observer, the restaurant is expected to debut later this summer, taking over the former Summerbird space.
The concept comes from husband-and-wife restaurateurs Alfonso Bravo and Amalia Macias, whose restaurant portfolio includes Salud Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Lounge in Camden, South Carolina, Coa Agaveria Y Cocina in Columbia, South Carolina, and Masa Mexican Street Food, which operates locations in both Camden and Columbia.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Chef TJ Steele will lead the kitchen, serving a refined interpretation of traditional Mexican cuisine. The menu will include handmade tortillas, generational moles, pozole, elevated small plates and seasonal dishes made with locally sourced meats and produce, drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of both Jalisco and Oaxaca.
The restaurant’s beverage program will be led by mixologist Edson Sanchez, featuring agave-forward cocktails and a curated selection of agave spirits.
“Raíces is the culmination of our collective journeys and a celebration of our heritage,” Macias said in a statement shared with the Charlotte Observer. “While Charlotte has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, we’ve created Raíces to celebrate the diversity and complexity of Mexican cooking beyond familiar expectations, offering a deeper exploration of Mexico’s regional cuisine, hospitality, and culture.”
Bravo added, “Raíces is about bringing together the places that have shaped us. Together, they create a restaurant that feels like home and deeply personal.”
WHatNow Charlotte reached out to the Raíces team for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
